Q4 2022 Inspiration Report: Undertones

 

I have always had a deep connection with the ocean, but the beauty of the California coast (underneath the water, specifically) has been giving me life the past few months. It’s surprisingly clear the further out you go, and there are these huge kelp forests right below me that I can’t get enough of. - Ashley

M.C. Escher gained notoriety for his impossible drawings, but this piece (“Modderplas” [Mud Puddle], 1952) really stops me in my tracks. Pun intended! - Joanne

It’s winter formal season. The candlesticks come out. The crystal, china, and silver get in rotation, too. Wearing wool coats and cashmere. Dressing up to go out to classic spots like The Palace Hotel, Zuni Cafe, the War Memorial Opera House for the annual Nutcracker ballet. I love this time of year for slowing down, making things extra special. - Emily

My inspiration is my 94-year-old Gram who called me yesterday because she was thinking of me — at the same time I was thinking of her. - Amanda

I’ve been sinking into the power of storytelling this season. The Van Gogh exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts museum shared the fascinating development of the tortured artist mythology — and how we continue to embrace it despite much evidence to the contrary. - Kaitlin

I found this column through the Netflix series of the same name, Diagnosis. It is interesting how Dr. Lisa Sanders shows us how a combination of online crowdsourcing and medical expertise can get the job done.

I highly recommend this text for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature from their bedroom. Beautiful indigenous wisdom and language. Click to buy >

Jasmine Alvarado is an indie singer-songwriter from Los Angeles who just put out gorgeous new singles on Spotify. One of the artists we worked with back in 2020, Belen Ledezma, turned me on to her music. Click to listen >

I will never cease to admire writers who can bring to life commonplace or even dry experiences and concepts.

“Built by an international team of creators and storytellers, this site was designed to actively engage the user, returning the agency of exploration to the individual. It’s an interactive portal into a world of Black vision and thought: ever shifting, ever expanding.” Visit the website

Taiwanese designer Wang Zhi-Hong is way too good. His book covers have the highest contrast, the boldest typography, unbelievable elements of foil and color. - Emily

I was a witness to the changing rainbow colors of the sky this month while visiting Point Reyes National Seashore, Twin Peaks, and Sebastopol. Nothing beats being enveloped in nature.